Former ComPol Ted Barbe testifies at prison riot inquiry |06 August 2026
Former ComPol Ted Barbe testifies at prison riot inquiry
Former Commissioner of Police (ComPol) Ted Barbe was the sole witness to testify yesterday (August 5, 2026) during the open deliberations of the Commission of Inquiry into the Montagne Posée prison riot of December 5-6, 2024.
Making his second appearance before the commission at the Palais de Justice on Île du Port, Mr Barbe explained that prior to the riot, security forces – including police and military – were engaged in discussions at a National Security meeting chaired by former President Wavel Ramkalawan. The meeting focused on planning a raid to recover prison keys from inmates, along with illicit drugs, contraband such as mobile phones, and makeshift weapons. The intelligence had been provided by the Seychelles Intelligence Service (SIS), then headed by Benediste Hoareau, as part of an intervention plan for a potential riot or mass escape. During that meeting, the former President instructed that the army be placed on standby to assist police in quelling disturbances.
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